A Wordle is a word cloud created using the interactive interface at Wordle.com.
How can I use Wordles in Vocabulary Instruction?
Introduce synonyms and antonyms of target words.
Expose students to new words.
Utilize precise language.
Why would I want to utilize Wordles for Vocabulary Instruction?
Appeals to visual spatial learners.
Increase student engagement
Lesson Ideas for Using Wordles for Vocabulary Instruction
Synonyms and Antonyms
Objectives
Increase exposure to vocabulary.
Be aware of precise vocabulary.
Analyze groups of words for common theme.
Teacher created Wordles for Vocabulary Instruction
Preparation
Open Wordle Web Site.
Utilize Online Thesauruses to generate words for cloud
Open thesaurus in new window. Look up synonyms for target word. Copy words and then paste in Wordle interface. For groups of words insert a ~ (key next to the number 1 -- shift for ~ symbol) between words to keep them together in the Wordle.
Use several thesauruses to increase incidence of more precise synonyms. Repeated words will be bigger in the final Wordle.
Free Thesaurus.net does not differentiate between multiple meanings -- use with care
When you have pasted all the words you want in the interface, click go to create the Wordle.
Save your Wordle to the public gallery and record the URL generated to save your Wordle in a document or website to easily access the Wordles you want to utilize in your lesson. Alternatively, you may use Screen shot software such as Sreenshot (free) or Snag-It (purchased) to save Wordle as a JPG file. I like to save my Wordles as JPGs and upload them to Flickr for use. (The files are generally too big to utilize on my free Wiki sites).
In Flickr, use title and description areas to create specific questions and answer banks.
Screen synonyms to make sure that they apply to a particular use of the target word.
For primary grades, we have found it best to limit the number of words to a dozen or less, preferably 10 or fewer.
Lesson Ideas
Introduce new vocabulary with Wordles.
Play guess the word.
See if students can think of a category heading for synonym Wordles.
Review vocabulary words through Wordles.
Determine precision of synonyms in the Wordles. (Larger words should be the more precise synonyms),
Extensions
Student Created Wordles -- Brainstorming Synonyms and Antonyms
Have students draw vocabulary words from a hat or use ClassTools.net's Random Name / Word Picker. Type in focus words for the day. Make sure words are repeated for the number of students in the group. Have students come up and put the word picker in motion. This is their word.
Students should first brainstorm synonyms and antonyms for their word (two separate lists). Apx. 3-5 minutes.
Then have all students with the same focus word meet together to compare lists. Students should discuss any discrepancies and decide together which words should be included in the Wordle. Students should mark through any word on their individual list that has not met with consensus approval.
Students then take their individual lists to the computer and type in each list of words into the Wordle interface. (Words that are repeated on the lists should be typed in repeatedly so that the finished Wordle will give greater emphasis on that word.)
Students should create and save their Wordles according to teacher preference. (Make sure students understand basic safety rules and utilize their Internet "code" names.)
Teachers may ask students to present their Wordles to the class. Classmates may guess the focus word. Group members may explain their reasoning for including the words they choose to include in their Wordle.
What is a Wordle?
How can I use Wordles in Vocabulary Instruction?
Why would I want to utilize Wordles for Vocabulary Instruction?
Lesson Ideas for Using Wordles for Vocabulary Instruction